New York Jets vs. Houston Texans preview: Stats, facts and analysis

The New York Jets (2-2) look to rebound from one of the worst losses in franchise history when they play host to the undefeated Houston Texans (4-0) on Monday night football.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense has been subjected to questions about their efficiency and facing the elite Texans defense is not exactly who New York would choose to show the world that they have answers.

Gold rushed
The Jets were shellacked 34-0 last week versus San Francisco and not only did they lose the game, but they also lost wide receiver Santonio Holmes for the season with a foot injury. Gang Green had only 145 yards of total offense, and they allowed the 49ers to rush for nearly double that total.

State of the Jets
Holmes joins Darrelle Revis on the out-for-the-season list, the Jets two best players, lost for the year. Wide receiver Stephen Hill and tight end Dustin Keller are both doubtful with hamstring injuries.

What to Watch For
If the Jets are going to have any chance in this game, offensive coordinator Tony Sparano needs to put Sanchez in a position to succeed from the outset of the game. He should call quick drops and short passes, allowing him to get rid of the ball quickly and easily and, hopefully for the Jets, accurately. If Sanchez or the Jets turn the ball over early, the crowd will be all over them.

Also, the Texans boast one of the best defensive players in the NFL, J.J. Watt, who already has 7.5 sacks this season. The offensive line has to keep Sanchez protected, and it would serve them well to establish some semblance of a running game in order to control the clock and keep the potent Houston offense off the field.

Defensively, Gang Green is sure to have their hands full with quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Arian Foster and wide receiver Andre Johnson - both among the best at their positions. Foster's backup, Ben Tate, is also a dangerous dual threat and would be a starter on many other teams in the league. Kyle Wilson and Antonio Cromartie, with the rest of the Jets secondary, will need to play their best football for the Jets to be victorious.

The Numbers
Passing
Jets: Mark Sanchez (813 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs)
Texans: Matt Schaub (953 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT)

Rushing
Jets: Shonn Greene (191 yards, 1 TD)
Texans: Arian Foster (380 yards, 4 TDs)

Receiving
Jets: Santonio Holmes (20 catches, 272 yards, 1 TD)
Texans: Andre Johnson (16 catches, 268 yards, 2 TDs)

Defense
Jets: David Harris (37 tackles)
Texans: Brian Cushing (24 tackles)

TEXANS at JETS
Place: MetLife Stadium
Date: 10/8/12 8:30 pm ET
TV: ESPN (Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden)
Line: Jets +8

For more on the Jets, visit Gang Green Nation and SB Nation New York.